World Cup anthem hits the right note

A Birmingham produced World Cup anthem promoting multicultural Britain is being backed by the Football Association.

The charity single ?We?re England (The Second Star)? by Dead Ball Specialists aims to reclaim a sense of pride in being English regardless of race, colour or creed. The track is also raising funds for Carers UK.

It has already gained celebrity endorsements from the likes of singer Billy Bragg and comedian Rik Mayall - who has launched his own World Cup song.

The anthem merges the classical music of Holst?s Jupiter theme from The Planets with a contemporary rap.

Co-creator, Matt Killeen, a former pupil of Birmingham?s King Edward VI School for Boys, said: ?Historically, England was built by people from the outside ? even the Angles and Saxons weren?t originally from here.

?We believe that pride in our country coexists with recognising and appreciating our diverse multi-cultural society.

?This nation was forged by immigration and integration which made, and continues to make, this country strong; A country that is tolerant, inclusive and forges mutual respect for everyone.?

Matt launched an online collaboration to develop and record the song and video, using a network of old school pals to put it together.

Birmingham-based friends and their children dressed to depict historical invaders of Britain such as Vikings and Romans, also featured in the video, filmed in Alvechurch.

We?re England (The Second Star) has been described as ?brilliant? by the Football Association. It is one of only two World Cup songs officially endorsed by the FA?s Back the Bid campaign to host the football tournament in the UK in 2018.

Since been launched two weeks ago, the single has gained more than 3,000 hits on YouTube and is now available on iTunes.